David Jeremiah (born February 13, 1941) is an American evangelical Christian author, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries, and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, a Southern Baptist megachurch in El Cajon, California, a suburb of San Diego. His ministry reaches millions through radio, television, books, and online platforms, spreading Christian teachings and biblical messages.
Jeremiah’s leadership at Shadow Mountain Community Church has made it one of the most influential evangelical churches in the United States, impacting countless lives globally.
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David Jeremiah’s Net Worth
David Jeremiah has a net worth of $50 million. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, in February 1941. In 1981, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College.
Jeremiah began his pastoral career in 1969 at Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he also established a Christian school serving grades K through 12. His influential ministry and leadership have contributed significantly to his financial success and reputation in evangelical circles.
Early life
David Paul Jeremiah was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1941 to Ruby and James T. Jeremiah. At age eleven, his family, including his three siblings, moved to Dayton, Ohio, when his father became pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
In 1953, the family relocated to Cedarville, Ohio, as his father became president of Cedarville College (now Cedarville University). These early moves were pivotal in shaping Jeremiah’s upbringing within a strong Christian and educational environment, influencing his future ministry and leadership.
Career
Jeremiah earned his Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College in 1963, marrying Donna Thompson the same year. He received a Master’s degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (1967) and pursued graduate work at Grace Seminary (1972). Cedarville awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity (1981).
In 1969, he founded Blackhawk Baptist Church and Blackhawk Christian School (1973) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. That year, he launched The Bible Hour, using televised mass-media to spread the Gospel. Under his leadership, membership grew from seven families to 1,300.
Personal life
In 1981, the Jeremiah family, now with four children, moved to Southern California, where David Jeremiah succeeded Tim LaHaye as senior pastor at Scott Memorial Baptist Church (now Shadow Mountain Community Church). The church joined the Southern Baptist Convention, expanding to nine satellite locations, including Hispanic and Arabic congregations.
The main campus hosts Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools of San Diego. In 1982, he founded Turning Point for God, now an international broadcast ministry, earning NRB Hall of Fame and President’s Award (2020). Diagnosed with lymphoma (1994, 1998), he chronicled his journey in When Your World Falls Apart.
What Degree Does Dr. David Jeremiah Have?
Dr. David Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville College, a Master’s degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and has received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville.
Conclusion
David Jeremiah’s life and ministry encapsulate a journey of faith, dedication, and profound influence. From his humble beginnings to becoming a central figure in evangelical Christianity, Jeremiah’s work continues to inspire and guide individuals around the world. His legacy is not just in his preaching but in the lives he has touched through his ministry.
FAQs about David Jeremiah
- What is Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries?
- Turning Point is a multi-media broadcast ministry founded by David Jeremiah to deliver the unchanging Word of God to an ever-changing world through radio and television programs.
- What role does David Jeremiah’s family play in his ministry?
- His family is actively involved in his ministry, with his son David Michael serving as the president of Turning Point and another son, Daniel, previously working as an NFL scout before joining the NFL Network as an analyst.
- How has David Jeremiah’s personal life influenced his ministry?
- His battle with lymphoma and subsequent recovery has deeply influenced his ministry, leading him to write “When Your World Falls Apart,” sharing his journey and faith through trials.
- What awards has David Jeremiah received for his work?
- Jeremiah has won numerous awards, including the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Hall of Fame Award and the NRB President’s Award in 2020.
- How does David Jeremiah contribute outside his church and broadcast ministry?
- Beyond his church and broadcast ministry, Jeremiah is an author of several books, a speaker at conferences, conventions, universities, and has served as a chapel speaker for professional sports teams.
